In this episode of The Therapy Show, I'm talking about one of those moments almost every therapist has experienced: a client sits down, you ask what they want to focus on, and they say, "I don't know what to talk about today."
I explore what that moment can actually mean, why it doesn't necessarily signal a bad or unproductive session, and how therapists can respond without scrambling to fill the silence or turning the session into a rapid-fire interview.
I also share practical ways to revisit treatment goals, explore what may be happening beneath the surface, use the here-and-now, and recognize when a quiet session may actually be a sign of progress.
I also talk about the importance of not automatically assuming avoidance, how to tell when therapy may need a new focus or a change in frequency, and a simple framework you can use in session: Pause, Review, Explore, Decide.
If you've ever wondered what to do when a client has no obvious agenda, this episode is for you.
I also share information about my newest CE podcourse, When Domestic Abuse Shows Up in Therapy: Recognition, Safety, and Referral, as well as free therapist resources and continuing education opportunities from Berries.
Need CE contact hours? Explore my NBCC-Approved Podcourses & CE Courses
This episode is sponsored by Berries, an AI-powered documentation tool for mental health professionals. Try Berries for free and use code THERAPYSHOW50 for $50 off your first month.
This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace clinical judgment, supervision, consultation, or individualized treatment planning.
This episode DOES NOT qualify for continuing education contact hours.
